What should an EMS provider do to increase safety during a nighttime emergency on a roadway?

Operating amber warning lights only, if available, is an effective strategy for increasing safety during a nighttime emergency on a roadway. Amber lights are highly recognizable and specifically designed to attract attention without being as blinding as white lights, which can impair visibility for both responding personnel and oncoming drivers. This use of amber lights helps to create a safe perimeter around the emergency scene, alerting drivers to the presence of an incident without overwhelming their night vision.

In contrast, using all available response lights, including those with high beams, can lead to glare that distracts drivers and may lead to accidents. While high beams provide maximum visibility, they can blind oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of collisions. Similarly, relying solely on fog lights limits visibility options and may not adequately warn approaching vehicles, as fog lights are designed for low-visibility conditions rather than for signaling presence on a busy roadway. Therefore, using amber lights strikes a balance between visibility and safety for everyone on the road.